PRINCESS CHITRĀṄGADĀ in the Mahābhārata
PRINCESS CHITRĀṄGADĀ in the Mahābhārata 1. Significance of Chitrāṅgadā in the Mahābhārata Chitrāṅgadā is a significant yet often understated female character in the Mahābhārata . She represents female kingship, martial training, dynastic responsibility, and matrilineal succession . Unlike many royal women whose roles are confined to marriage, Chitrāṅgadā is trained as a ruler and warrior because she is the sole heir of the kingdom of Manipura. Her story highlights alternative models of lineage, duty ( dharma ), and womanhood within the epic tradition. , 2. Brief Biography Chitrāṅgadā was the daughter and only child of King Chitravahana , ruler of the ancient kingdom of Manipura . Due to a dynastic condition allowing only one heir per generation, she was trained in warfare, governance, and protection of the kingdom , roles traditionally reserved for male heirs. During his exile, the Pandava prince Arjuna visited Manipura and married Chitrāṅgadā under the putrikā ...